Proton Compact 1.6 Penang (1997)
1997 Proton Compact 1.6 Penang
CarHunch analysed 144 real MOT records for the 1997 Proton Compact 1.6 Penang. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1997 Proton Compact has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 23%, nearly four times worse than the UK average of 80%, which tells you these cars are significantly more worn out or poorly maintained than typical vehicles of this age. The good news is that only 9% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so while they're unreliable, they're not acutely unsafe.
At 77,500 miles median, these cars have genuinely low mileage for their age—nearly 28 years old—which suggests many have been lightly used or stored. However, the average vehicle still racks up 0.67 failures and 0.9 advisories per test, pointing to recurring issues with routine wear items rather than catastrophic problems. If you're considering one, budget for immediate repairs before driving it and factor in regular maintenance costs, as the pass rate suggests these need serious attention to get roadworthy.
What to check before buying a 1997 Proton Compact 1.6 Penang
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Proton Compact 1.6 Penang
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 143 | 23% | 0.67 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Proton Compact 1.6 Penang vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1997 Proton Compact 1.6 Penang vehicles fall between 63,654 and 91,382 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Proton Compact 1.6 Penang?
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